"Saba" a Saba Travel Page by bsfreeloader

Saba is unlike any place I’ve ever been. At first blush, the island is rather uninspiring – looking something like a giant rock in the shape of an iceberg sticking out of the water. As you head up “The Road” and pass through the Bottom and St. John before arriving in Windwardside, the island takes on an entirely different appearance – looking like a series of miniature European hamlets tucked into lush, green hillsides and valleys. Many of the buildings look similar, painted white, with red roofs, gingerbread trim, and green shutters, giving the place a model-village type appearance. The roughly 1,500 residents all seem to know each other and make every effort to get to know the visiting tourists. You can’t pass someone on the street without receiving a friendly smile and greeting. Passing motorists always slow down and wave and often ask if you need a ride. On Saba it is not only legal to hitchhike, it is illegal to not pick up hitchhikers. Crime is virtually non-existent, and many residences don’t even have locks on their doors. The island is pristine, with virtually no discarded rubbish littering the streets and surrounding woods. There are no chain stores or restaurants, no casinos, and essentially no beaches. There are plenty of bugs, but not too many of the biting kind (mosquitoes are generally absent). There are so many unique qualities that make Saba special. It is quaint yet genuine, traditional yet original, and picturesque yet uncontrived. The people are friendly yet not overbearing, interested yet not intrusive, and tolerant, accepting, and respectful. In short, Saba is a great place to visit and, from all appearances, a great place to live and die. And, being 13 square kilometers, Saba is small enough to fully experience in less than a week.